Read Think Pray is a daily reflection on the Revised Common Lectionary Readings for the previous Sunday. The idea is simply to get you - reading, thinking and praying about the scriptures you heard at your Sunday Service.

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Read Isaiah 1:10-18

Read Isaiah 1:10-18

10 Jerusalem,
your rulers and your people are like those of Sodom and Gomorrah. Listen to
what the Lord is saying to you.
Pay attention to what our God is teaching you. 11He says, “Do you think
I want all these sacrifices you keep offering to me? I have had more than
enough of the sheep you burn as sacrifices and of the fat of your fine animals.
I am tired of the blood of bulls and sheep and goats. 12Who
asked you to bring me all this when you come to worship me? Who asked you to do
all this tramping about in my Temple? 13It’s useless to bring your
offerings. I am disgusted with the smell of the incense you burn. I cannot
stand your New Moon Festivals, your Sabbaths, and your religious gatherings;
they are all corrupted by your sins. 14I hate your New Moon
Festivals and holy days; they are a burden that I am tired of bearing. 15“When
you lift your hands in prayer, I will not look at you. No matter how much you
pray, I will not listen, for your hands are covered with blood. 16Wash
yourselves clean. Stop all this evil that I see you doing. Yes, stop doing evil
17and learn to do right. See that justice is done—help those who are
oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.” 18The Lord says, “Now, let’s settle the
matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow.a
Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool.b[1]

Think

The prophet doesn’t hold back in his criticism of the
people. Referring to verse 10, according to the prophet Ezekiel the sin of
Sodom was that they were:

“…proud because they had
plenty to eat and lived in peace and quiet, but they did not take care of the
poor and the underprivileged.”

- Ezekiel 16:49

Sounds a lot like life today.

Pray

Lord, we stand convicted; thank you for the grace and mercy
by which you forgive us and wash us ‘as clean as snow.’By your grace help us to become the people
you created us to be.